Master of Science in Information Systems

The Master of Science program in Information Systems is designed to prepare students for specialized roles in information systems. The MS program is offered in both the traditional semester format reviewed on this page and an executive (alternate weekend) format.

The Fast Track Executive MS in I.S. focuses on Information Technology Management and is designed for students with six or more years professional experience.

The traditional semester format MS in I.S. program is intended to prepare students for senior level positions, planning, organizing, managing, designing, configuring and implementing information systems, using state-of-the-art technologies, methods, techniques, and tools. This program provides a graduate level, a technically-oriented curriculum that focuses on the design and development of information systems to solve real-world problems.

500 and 600 level courses are offered in the evening either one evening per week from 7-9:40 pm or twice a week from 5:30-6:45 pm. All business courses are held in Snead Hall. The flexibility of our program allows the student to enroll full-time or part-time per semester depending on their preference.

Mission

This program is designed to prepare students for leadership positions in information systems and information technology management. It is intended to provide an up-to-date graduate level, technically oriented curriculum that focuses on the design and development of information systems to solve real-world problems. Graduates are expected to take significant roles in planning, organizing, managing, designing, configuring, and implementing information systems using state-of-the-art technologies within organizations.

The Educational Goals are to provide a curriculum that:

1. Graduates of the I.S. MS Program will serve as senior leaders within the IS profession and as strategic business partners within the enterprises in which they work.

2. Graduates will stay attuned to and anticipate changes in the business, IT, and global environments using state-of-the-art information technology solutions to create a sound, competitive, cost-effective advantage for the enterprise.

An ability to communicate and network effectively within the profession and within organizations

An ability to serve the profession by applying knowledge broadly

An ability maintain key technical expertise in order to sustain required levels of competitiveness

An understanding of information technology as it applies to business contexts and the skill to apply this technology effectively in specific circumstances

An ability to develop efficient and effective I.S. solutions using appropriate technologies that can deliver competitive advantages to organizations

An ability to develop and incorporate changes in the planning and management of I.S. resources based on an increased understanding of the dynamic changes in the organization, IS, and global environment

Curriculum

Students applying to the Master's program must show evidence of competence in selected prerequisite areas of information systems including application programming, systems analysis and design, database, telecommunications and hardware/software. Evidence of this may include formal coursework, comparable training within a work environment, or significant, relevant and recent work experience in the field. Students enrolled as majors in the program who do not have a formal background or equivalent training must take the appropriate undergraduate courses to satisfy the prerequisite prior to taking Master's program courses.

Students who do not have a business degree must complete a minimum of four 500-level business foundation courses (12 credit hours). Foundation courses may be waived for students who present satisfactory, equivalent preparation at either the undergraduate or graduate level. Students who are required to take foundation courses may do so after admission. The foundation courses required will vary depending upon the student's background, career interests, and the chosen area of specialization.

The MS in Information Systems program consists of 30 graduate credit hours including four core courses (12 credit hours), and six (18 credit hours) in Information Systemes electives.